The Washington Huskies are 4-0 both outright and against the spread in four meetings with the Colorado Buffaloes since the latter joined the Pac-12 five seasons ago.
Washington hopes to make it five in a row over the Buffaloes and perhaps earn a trip to the College Football Playoff when the teams meet in this year’s Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday night on a neutral field at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Point spread: The Huskies opened as six-point favorites.
Odds Shark computer pick: 43.5 Huskies, 31.2 Buffaloes (College football picks on every game)
Why the Colorado Buffaloes can cover the spread
Colorado completed a worst-to-worst transformation last week with a 27-22 victory over Utah, clinching its first Pac-12 South title. The Buffs spotted the Utes an early 7-0 lead on a punt return touchdown six minutes into the game, then scored 27 of the next 36 points to take control.
Colorado had the spread covered as 10-point favorites in the fourth quarter but gave up a Utah score with a minute-and-a-half to go, missing out on the cash for just the second time this season.
On the day, the Buffaloes out-gained the Utes 378-339 and won the turnover battle 4-2. Colorado has now out-gained seven of nine Pac-12 opponents this season.
Colorado’s two losses this year came against two pretty good teams in Michigan and USC. The Buffs are also 10-2 ATS this year, making them one of the best bets in college football.
Why the Washington Huskies can cover the spread
Washington rides a two-game winning streak into this contest after flushing Washington State 45-17 in the Apple Cup last week to win the Pac-12 North for the first time ever. The Huskies pounced out to a 28-3 first-quarter lead on the Cougars, then cruised home from there, covering easily as six-point favorites on the road.
On the day, Washington out-gained WSU 510-334 and won the turnover battle 4-1, while the defense turned the Cougars back a couple of times at key points in the game. The Huskies have now out-gained eight of nine Pac-12 opponents this season.
Washington is also 2-0 ATS this season when favored by a touchdown or less.
Smart pick
These teams played eight common opponents this season. Washington out-gained them by an average of 135 yards per game, while Colorado came in at plus-115 yards per game. That indicates these teams might be closer in talent and ability than the oddsmakers and Joe Public might think.
The smart money here at online betting sites backs the Buffaloes, plus the points.
Betting trends
- Colorado is 0-6 SU and ATS in its last six games against Washington.
- The total has gone over in three of Colorado’s last four games against Washington.
- Washington is 7-1 SU in its last eight games against teams with winning records.
All betting information courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates, Odds Shark on YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.
